Technology and Modernization Quotes in Into Thin Air

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

The traffic on […] Everest has multiplied at an astonishing rate. And to meet the demand, the number of commercial enterprises […] has multiplied correspondingly. (2.37)

This is a simple case of supply and demand. As an increasing number of people attempt this treacherous climb—aided by all sorts of technological breakthroughs—a host of new businesses crop up to take advantage of this wealthy client base. But is this a good thing? As we'll learn, there's no easy answer to this question.

Quote #2

Our mess tent […] was furnished with […] a stereo system, a library, and solar-powered electric lights; an adjacent communications tent housed a satellite phone and fax. (5.13)

Everest Base Camp is a far cry from the rinky-dink campsites of our childhoods. This is a major consequence of the commercialization of Everest—more money means more investment into these luxurious creature comforts. Once again, however, we're left questioning whether these drastic changes are for the better.

Quote #3

Ascending Everest is a long, tedious process, more like a mammoth construction project than climbing as I'd previously known it. (6.3)

There's a reason behind the climbers' use of advanced technology, however. Though there are a handful of brave souls who have managed to ascend Everest by themselves, the vast majority of expeditions require a great deal of infrastructure to be made possible.